Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ability'

English Word: ability

Key Russian Translations:

• способность [spɐˈsobnəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, General Use]
• умение [uˈmʲenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often for Learned Skills]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "способность"); B1 (Intermediate for "умение")

Pronunciation (Russian):

способность: [spɐˈsobnəsʲtʲ]

Note on способность: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft consonant "сʲ" may be challenging for non-native speakers.

умение: [uˈmʲenʲɪjə]

Note on умение: Stress is on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "нʲ" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Capacity or Talent (Innate or Natural)

Translation(s) & Context:

• способность - Often refers to inherent or natural abilities (e.g., intellectual or physical capacities).

Usage Examples:

• У неё есть способность быстро учиться.

  She has the ability to learn quickly.

• Его способность решать проблемы впечатляет.

  His ability to solve problems is impressive.

• Эта способность передалась ему от отца.

  This ability was passed down to him from his father.

2. Learned Skill or Competence

Translation(s) & Context:

• умение - Refers to a skill or competence acquired through practice or learning.

Usage Examples:

• Его умение готовить поражает всех.

  His ability to cook amazes everyone.

• Умение работать в команде очень важно.

  The ability to work in a team is very important.

• Она совершенствует свои умения каждый день.

  She improves her abilities every day.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

способность (feminine noun): Follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	способность	способности
Genitive	способности	способностей
Dative	способности	способностям
Accusative	способность	способности
Instrumental	способностью	способностями
Prepositional	о способности	о способностях

умение (neuter noun): Follows the standard declension for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	умение	умения
Genitive	умения	умений
Dative	умению	умениям
Accusative	умение	умения
Instrumental	умением	умениями
Prepositional	об умении	об умениях

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for способность:

• дар
• талант

Note: "дар" and "талант" often imply a natural gift or exceptional talent, unlike the more general "способность".

Synonyms for умение:

• навык
• мастерство

Note: "мастерство" implies a higher level of skill or mastery compared to "умение".

Antonyms:

• неспособность (for способность)
• неумение (for умение)

Related Phrases:

• развивать способность - to develop an ability
• природная способность - natural ability
• умение обращаться с людьми - ability to deal with people
• овладеть умением - to master a skill

Usage Notes:

• "способность" is more commonly used for inherent or natural abilities, such as cognitive or physical capacities, while "умение" refers to learned skills or competencies.
• Both terms can sometimes overlap, but "умение" often implies a practical, hands-on skill, whereas "способность" can be more abstract.
• Pay attention to grammatical agreement, as "способность" is feminine and "умение" is neuter, affecting adjective and verb forms in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "умение" for innate talents. Incorrect: "У него умение к музыке." Correct: "У него способность к музыке." (He has a talent for music.) Explanation: "умение" should be reserved for learned skills, not natural talents.
• Error: Incorrect case usage after prepositions. Incorrect: "Говорить о способность." Correct: "Говорить о способности." Explanation: The prepositional case requires the correct ending for "способность".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "способность" is often associated with personal potential or gifts, and it is common to praise someone's natural abilities in social or educational contexts. Complimenting someone's "умение" often highlights their hard work and dedication to mastering a skill.

Related Concepts:

• талант (talent)
• навык (skill)
• одарённость (giftedness)